Capital Offense

A crime punishable by death.

Source: U.S. Courts

An offense for which the maximum punishment includes the death penalty. In the military, these offenses include: mutiny and sedition; misbehavior before the enemy; subordinate compelling surrender; improper use of a countersign; forcing a safeguard; aiding the enemy; spying; espionage; hazarding a vessel; misbehavior as a sentinel (in wartime); murder (premeditated or while committing other serious offense); rape.

John W. Dean, former counsel to President Richard Nixon, explains why President-elect Donald Trump must divest himself from ownership in any property or entity that his actions or decisions as president might benefit.